The Bill Simmons Podcast Round 1 Winners (Da Bears!) and Losers (the Eagles!), Plus Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
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Jan 12, 2026 
In this lively discussion, Cousin Sal, a comedian and sports betting expert, joins Bill Simmons right after the thrilling NFL wild-card round. They dive deep into the Bears' incredible 25-point comeback against the Packers and examine Green Bay's coaching blunders. Sal shares thoughts on the Eagles' surprising upset by the 49ers and Jalen Hurts' struggles under pressure. The two also play a fun guessing game for divisional round lines and share amusing family stories in Parent Corner, making for an entertaining blend of sports analysis and personal anecdotes.
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Caleb And Coaching Changed The Bears' Trajectory
- The Bears' comeback highlights that having a promising young QB and coach can instantly reshape a franchise's outlook.
- Bill Simmons and Cousin Sal view Chicago's win as both improbable and a sign of durable organizational progress.
Chemistry And Health Trump Pure Talent
- The 49ers upset shows injuries and team chemistry matter more than talent alone in playoff games.
- Simmons notes nobody believing in San Francisco helped motivate them while the Eagles' internal friction hurt Philly.
Lower Stakes Against Dysfunctional Teams
- When a team visibly despises itself, avoid laying more than a field goal against them.
- Cousin Sal and Bill recommend sizing bets downward when team dysfunction is obvious.